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KELLER’S WWE SUPER SHOWDOWN REPORT
JUNE 7, 2019
JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA AT KING ABDULLAH STADIUM
STREAMED LIVE ON WWE NETWORK’
Announcers: Michael Cole, Corey Graves, Renee Young
KICKOFF SHOW
The Panel (in Stamford): Charly Caruso, David Otunga, Beth Phoenix
(A) THE USOS beat THE REVIVAL in 7:00.
MAIN SHOW
-The voiceover at the start of the show during the introductory video package said: “Tonight, a global stage takes center stage… Live from Jeddah, Saudi Sarabia, welcome to WWE Super Showdown.” Then at the end it said “Live from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, WWE Network PROUDLY presents Super Showdown.”
TODAY’S CNN.COM HEADLINE STORY (click here)…
CNN EXCLUSIVE: Teen who led protests at age 10 now faces execution
-Fireworks blasted and then Cole introduced the show and said it is in Jeddah, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Renee said: “Saudi Arabia, we are SO EXCITED to be here in Jeddah tonight.”
(1) SETH ROLLINS vs. BARON CORBIN – WWE Universal Title match
Rollins came out first with his ribs taped. The announcers speculated on how injured he is going into this match. Then as Corbin came out, the announcers introduced the Arabic announce team. Corbin requested his usual elaborate ring introduction. Cole asked if Corbin wins, would Brock Lesnar look to cash in against Corbin. Graves complimented Seth for even showing up, but he said he is a human being and he can only take so much pain. Corbin attacked Seth’s ribs at the start. Seth writhed in pain.
With both men down at 6:00, fans clapped. They both stood and exchanged punches. They fought at ringside, with Seth diving through the ropes at Corbin twice. Seth landed a sunset flip for a two count back in the ring. When Seth went for another flying move through the ropes, Corbin elbowed him out of mid-air, then scored a two count seconds later back in the ring. Corbin yelled at the ref for not counting fast enough in an exaggerated fashion. Corbin landed a Deep Six for a near fall. Corbin got in the face of the referee and yelled some more. He then grabbed a chair. The ref ordered Corbin to get rid of it. Corbin yelled at him to stop telling him how to do his job. The ref shoved him back and asked who he thinks he is. Seth rolled up Corbin from behind to score the three count.
WINNER: Seth in 11:00 to retain the WWE Title. (*1/2)
(Keller’s Analysis: One of the weaker WWE Title matches you’ll see, and what a bad finish. They’re protecting Corbin with that finish so fans can have months more of this feud.)
-Corbin gave Seth an End of Days after the match. Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman walked out with the MITB briefcase in hand. Heyman tripped entering the ring (on purpose) and dropped the briefcase. Lesnar was briefly distracted, then swung a chair at Seth in the ring, but Seth gave Lesnar a l0w-blow. Cole said that is reminiscent of WrestleMania and how Seth won the title. Seth picked up the chair and hit Lesnar with it. He hit him a second, third, and fourth time. Lesnar writhed in pain. Seth asked, “How does it feel, you son of a bitch!” He hit Lesnar several more times. There were a group of teens enthusiastically cheering Seth, but otherwise not a ton of crowd reaction. Seth then gave Lesnar a running stomp onto the briefcase. Cole said he believes Lesnar had every intention of cashing in tonight, but Heyman dropping the briefcase caused enough of a distraction to give Seth an opening.
(Keller’s Analysis: If that’s all they do with Lesnar and the MITB at this event, it extends Lesnar’s MITB storyline indefinitely. There’s also a chance Lesnar shows up later to cash in against the winner of Kofi Kingston vs. Dolph Ziggler. Will Heyman tripping be a storyline development of a rift between Heyman and Lesnar? I doubt it. The announcers haven’t asked why Lesnar delayed cashing in on Monday in order to do it here, especially in light of it failing tonight when his opening seemed wide then compared to this show.)
-A WWE Shop ad airs. A WWE Stomping Grounds ad aired.
-The camera showed a giant sign outdoors with the letters “J-E-D” lit up and said they are in “Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.” Cole touted the tallest fountain in the world blasting water high into the sky.
-They cut back live to Lesnar writhing in pain and grasping his left elbow. Graves said his left elbow has turned black and blue. They showed red marks on his back as he retreated. Graves said Seth escaped tonight, but unfortunately for him, Lesnar still possesses the briefcase and he can cash it in at any time of his choosing.
(2) “DEMON” FINN BALOR vs. ANDRADE – Intercontinental Title match
During a wide shot of the stadium during Balor’s ring entrance, it showed massive sections of the stadium seating empty or blocked off, and a relatively small number of floor seats overall surrounding the ring (although that could be largely due to the structure surrounding the ring causing massive blindspots). There have to be fans in the building who can barely see the ring because of the pillars of the structure over the ring.
Balor eventually landed a top rope double stomp to the back of Andrade’s back and neck for a two count. The screen noted that #WWESSD was the no. 1 trend worldwide on Twitter. Andrade came back with a hammerlock DDT for a near fall. Graves and Cole were excited and popped. The fans did not much to the move or the kick-out. Some kids began chanting “This is awesome!” for ten seconds. Balor landed a top rope face-first DDT and then landed the Coup de Grace for the clean win.
WINNER: Balor in 12:00 to retain the WWE Intercontinental Title. (**)
(Keller’s Analysis: Felt like a “going through the motions” house show match. Nothing wrong with it, but utterly uninspired and forgettable.)
-The Miz cut a promo talking about creating history by winning the Royal Rumble. Some fans shouted “Awesome” on cue. A promo aired with Jinder Mahal saying he will win the Battle Royal and then “reclaim my 24/7 title.”
-They went back to the announcers at ringside. Graves thanked Godsmack for “When Legends Rise,” the official theme song of Super Showdown. Cole said it was “right here in Saudi Arabia” when Shane McMahon won the World Cup Tournament in controversial fashion to become Best in the World. They threw to a video package on Reigns and Shane.
(3) SHANE MCMAHON (w/Drew McIntyre) vs. ROMAN REIGNS
A profusely sweating Shane McMahon entered the ring, looking winded. He pointed at Greg Hamilton who then did his elaborate ring introduction. Drew made a separate ring entrance next. Then Reigns made his ring entrance. Shane charged at Reigns when Drew distracted him at the bell. Shane threw knees and punches and kicks in the corner. Shane threw Reigns to the floor, then distracted the ref as Drew took a cheap shot at Reigns at ringside. Shane threw Reigns back into the ring. He choked Reigns and then elbowed him in the head and delivered a side Russian leg sweep for a two count. Zero crowd response.
Shane settled into a mid-match chinlock. Reigns stood and drove his shoulder into Shane in the corner, then connected with a big boot. With Shane flat on his back, Reigns set up a Superman Punch. Shane countered with a mid-air counter, chop-blocking Reigns. He scored a two count. (Reigns opponents should take note that Shane figured out the counter to the Superman Punch after all of these years.) Shane applied a triangle choke of sorts mid-ring. Reigns lifted Shane and powered him down to break it, then scored a quick two count. “What a match!” exclaimed Cole.
Shane rolled to the floor. A fan reached out and patted Shane on the back. A security guy walked up quickly and instructed them to back off. Drew yanked Reigns hard into the security barricade, but Reigns countered by ramming Drew into the ringpost. Reigns then landed a Superman Punch on Drew. Shane leaped toward Reigns off the ring apron, but Reigns punched him out of mid-air. Shane kicked the middle rope into Reigns’s crotch, then speared Reigns. Reigns kicked out at two-and-a-half. Shane kicked Reigns in the corner, then backed away at instructions from ref Charles Robinson. Shane climbed to the top rope to set up a Coast to Coast, but Reigns ran over and Superman Punched him off the top rope. When Reigns made the cover, Shane rolled his shoulder up at two. A “C.M. Punk!” chant broke out. Shane stood. Reigns signaled for his spear, but Shane kicked him in the face. Reigns punched Shane, who bumped into the ref. Drew then entered and hit the Claymore. Shane made the cover and scored the pin. Drew put Shane on his shoulders to celebrate. Shane smiled and raised his arms in the air as pyro blasted behind them. Fireworks blasted into the sky above the stadium.
WINNER: Shane in 9:00. (1/4*)
(Keller’s Analysis: A ridiculous match. The finish wasn’t the worst part, as it largely put over the Claymore Kick, but how did Shane hold his own that long against Reigns even with Drew’s interference. It was too much. And the match was awful.)
-Cole pointed out the tallest building in Jeddah. He then pointed out that the temperature outside is 94, but the “real feel” in the ring is 101. That explains the match quality and profuse sweating.
(Keller’s Analysis: That is certainly affecting the workrate tonight. Hopefully it can still be the equivalent or better than WrestleMania.)
-They showed Goldberg’s locker room.
-Backstage Byron Saxton smiled and said, “So many incredible moments tonight at Super Showdown.” Then he introduced Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods. Kofi said this match is about more than the WWE Title. He said Dolph Ziggler left him beaten and battered, and he could have chosen to remain on the stretcher, but he forced himself onto his feet to stand tall and let everyone know what a champion is supposed to do. Xavier said Kofi is more than a champion, he’s also a hero. Xavier talked about Kofi’s visit to Ghana. Kofi said that inspired him because he’s fighting with a purpose. He said he knows who he is and what he is fighting for. He said it’s for everyone who has ever had a dream and ever believed in themselves. He said Ziggler has been obsessing over him, and he is going to give him another moment to obsess over when he beats him later.
(4) LUCHA HOUSE PARTY (Lince Dorado & Gran Metalik & Kalisto) vs. LARS SULLIVAN
After the LHP ring entrance, they aired a snippet of Lars’s interview earlier in the week. Graves said getting a glimpse into the mind of Lars was downright terrifying. Graves said the fact that Lars has been seen as and referred to as a freak his whole life has boiled over into the destruction they see in WWE. LHP put up a fight, but Lars kept battering them and cutting short any momentum. Eventually Lars climbed to the top rope to dive onto Kalisto. Dorado and Metalik knocked him off the top rope. The ref DQ’d them.
WINNER: Sullivan in 5:00 via DQ. (3/4*)
-LHP triple-teamed Lars afterward, then fled a minute later before he could get revenge. Lars sat up and snarled. He began to pursue them. They turned and decided to attack. Lars backdropped a charging Metalik, then attacked the other two. “Flat out destruction by The Freak,” Cole said.
-A video package aired on Randy Orton vs. Triple H. Cole touted it as the first one-on-one match between them in nearly a decade.
(5) RANDY ORTON vs. TRIPLE H
Orton came to the ring first. Then Triple H came out on a motorcycle. Cole said you know it’s a “WrestleMania-calliber event” when Triple H comes to the ring with a “badass entrance like that.” Renee said you can feel the intensity, and a match like this can change the electricity in the stadium. Some fans stood and chanted “NXT! NXT!” Cole said tonight isn’t about NXT for Triple H, it’s about competing against Orton.
They circled each other to start. Graves said this is two of the best competitors of all time doing battle. They locked up and struggled for leverage. Orton forced Triple H into the corner. Hunter reversed Orton. They stared each other down. Hunter applied a wristlock mid-ring. Fans applauded the early grappling exchanges. Cole said Orton is sometimes an afterthought when people talk about the greats of this era despite having won 13 world titles. They fought to ringside. Cole said Triple H is focusing on Orton’s shoulder because Orton has a history of shoulder injuries in his career. Orton fought back and dropped Triple H on the announce table. Cole said a corner of one of their monitors jabbed Hunter in the kidney area when he landed. Orton then whipped Hunter into the ringside steps. Orton settled into his obligatory mid-match chinlock.
Triple H came back with a high knee a few minutes later. He went for a Pedigree, but Orton countered it. He catapulted Triple H into the corner, and Hunter hit the ringpost, but then fired at Orton with a sudden clothesline for a near fall. A few minutes later Orton pounded the mat and signaled for the RKO. When Triple H stood, he blocked Orton’s attempt and then hit a spinebuster for a near fall. Triple H settled into a crossface mid-ring. Cole said Orton had nowhere to go, but would he tap out. Cole wondered if the sweat from the heat would affect Hunter’s grip. Orton reached the bottom rope to force a break.
Hunter stood first. He went after Orton’s arm, but Orton blocked it and went for an RKO. Hunter escaped and kicked Orton, then set up a Pedigree again. Orton backdropped out of it, then nailed the RKO for a nice pop and a near fall. Cole said they both look exhausted. Orton stood and looked down at a fallen Triple H. Cole said he looked ready to execute The Punt, a callback to a ruthless era of Orton when he became known as The Legend Killer. Orton went for it. Triple H grabbed his leg to block it, then hit a Pedigree for a near fall. The crowd popped. They went to cutaways of fans reacting with shock. A “This is awesome!” chant broke out. Cole called it a “tremendous show of respect” from the WWE fans in Jeddah. Orton set up a slam of Hunter on the announce table, but Hunter reversed it and slammed Orton four times in a row on the table. Cole said, “The rage of Triple H is coming out!” Graves said Orton “has awakened the devil inside The Game.” Back in the ring Hunter charged at Hunter, but Orton caught him with an RKO for the win.
WINNER: Orton in 26:00. (**3/4)
(Keller’s Analysis: Needlessly long, although one minute under my predicted over/under. The crowd ate it up, especially the second half that had a lot more action than the first half. The finish was the right finish.)
-They went to the announcers at ringside. Cole said earlier this week when all the WWE Superstars got on a 747 to fly from San Antonio, Tex. to Frankfurt, Germany for a stopover before getting to Jeddah, Truth got off the jet to make a phone call and get fresh air. They showed a clip of Mahal scoring a three count to win the title with a schoolboy. Then the airplane took off, and six hours later 39,000 feet above the sea, Jinder fell asleep in his chair. Truth went looking for him and found him under a blanket and scored a three count to regain his title. Jinder woke up and yelled that he asleep. The ref said that didn’t matter. Truth ran upstairs in the 747 to escape from wrestlers chasing him to the top. Truth hid in a bathroom. There happened to be a camera in the bathroom to film him talking to the 24/7 Title belt.
-Corbin claimed to Saxton that a referee cost him his title match. He said the coward Seth took advantage. He told Saxton to get somebody to do something about it. He said he won’t stand for it. “Heads are gonna roll,” he said. (Bad choice of words given the country they’re in.)
(6) BOBBY LASHLEY vs. BRAUN STROWMAN
As Lashley posed, Graves said he has the type of physique that makes you want to give up going to the gym because you can never look that good. Graves said Strowman is like a superhero walking around the streets of Jeddah. He said it’s been fascinating watching fans react to seeing him since they arrived in Jeddah. Graves said Lashley trains in a high altitude in Denver, Colorado, so he has an advantage over Strowman the longer the match goes. A screen graphic said it feels like 100 degrees in the ring.
Braun no-sold an early shoulder tackle by Lashley. Braun brushed off his shoulder and told him he has to do better than that. Lashley offered a test of strength. Braun accepted. Lashley kicked Strowman to try to gain an advantage, but Strowman lifted Lashley. Lashley leapfrogged Strowman. They collided. Strowman rebounded and checked Lashley to the mat, then splashed him in the corner. Lashley moved on another corner splash and lifted Strowman and delivered a running powerslam for a near fall.
Lashley took control for a while, battering Strowman methodically and then settled into a chinlock. Strowman came back with a spinebuster and two shoulder tackles. Lashley rolled to ringside. Strowman pursued him and charged at him, taking him down with a running check. He took another lap and knocked Lashley down again, then threw him into the ring to beat the ref’s count. He knocked Lashley down with a forearm to the chest. “Get these hands!” chants a few fans in the crowd. Strowman played to them, then landed a powerslam for a near fall. Lashley avoided a shoulder charge in the corner. Braun tumbled to ringside. Lashley went after him with a running check of his own, knocking Strowman hard into the ringside barricade. Lashley suplexed Braun on the steel ramp. Lashley climbed to the top rope, but Strowman launched him to the mat. Then he gave him a snap powerslam and a running powerslam or the win
WINNER: Strowman in 8:00. (**1/4)
(Keller’s Analysis: Solid powermove match start to finish, and considering the 100 degree condition, a markable effort for these two to keep up that pace. It was the right finish, yet I believe these two could have been kept apart and under different circumstances down the line, this could have meant a lot more.)
-Soundbites aired with battle royal participants. Ali said fans are going to watch someone who looks like him and has a name like him compete in the biggest battle royal in WWE history. Then Samoa Joe said no one was willing to step up and challenge him to a match, so he’s in the largest battle royal and he’ll add this victory to his accolades.
(Keller’s Analysis: Not sure about Joe framing this as a consolation to his priority, which was a one-on-one match.)
-A video package previewed the WWE Title match up next.
(7) KOFI KINGSTON (w/Xavier Woods) vs. DOLPH ZIGGLER – WWE Title match
Ziggler came out first. As Kofi and Xavier came to the ring, Graves wondered what Saudis think about pancakes. Cole called the WWE Title belt “prestigious” and “the most important championship in the world today.” (Is that forecasting Lesnar cashing in against Kofi because that title is “more important”?) Kofi leapfrogged Ziggler and then landed a flying forearm in the corner. Ziggler avoided a corner splash and landed a dropkick, good for a one count. Ziggler controlled the match for a few minutes. Xavier started a “New… Day Rocks” chant that didn’t last long and was mostly sloppy claps. Kofi came back with an S.O.S. several minutes later. Kofi dove backwards and knocked Ziggler down with a grazing shot. Ziggler then kicked Xavier. Back in the ring, when Ziggler rolled up Kingston, he stumbled toward Xavier, who kicked Ziggler. Kofi then finished Ziggler with a Trouble in Paradise for the win.
WINNER: Kingston in 10:00 to retain the WWE Title. (**1/2)
(Keller’s Analysis: Decent, but entirely skippable.)
-After the match, Ziggler complained about the finish. He said they all learned Kofi isn’t a hero, but he’s a coward. He said he wanted a one-on-one rematch in a cage because “it should have been him.” Kofi and Xavier continued to celebrate in the ring. Cole said Kofi has no idea at this moment that that challenge was issued.
-A video preview aired of the Ronda Rousey documentary.
-They went back to the announcers. Cole said they will await word from McMahon family members backstage if the cage match rematch challenge is accepted. Then they recapped the Lesnar-Seth angle earlier.
-They aired clips of kids in attendance excited about the event. Cole said it’s a real testament to the fan enthusiasm that fans are enduring three hours in 100 degree temperatures.
(8) 50-MAN BATTLE ROYAL
As the wrestlers walked out in a cluster, Graves said winning this could open up doors to championship opportunities later. Miz got his own music. Elias came out with his guitar and strummed a bit. He said he has a pre-celebratory song dedicated to the 49 losers awaiting his arrival in the ring. He asked everyone to silence their cell phones and hold their applause and shut their mouths. Boos. He didn’t really bother to even try to rhyme. Miz heard enough and attacked him at ringside and threw him into the ring. Among rapid-fire early eliminations were Karl Anderson, Eric Young, Humberto Carillo, Heath Slater, Brian Kendrick, No Way Jose, Drew Gulak, and Tony Nese. Graves said an underdog could easily win by laying low until the ring was cleared. The announcers talked about losing considerable water weight.
Cole said after an early thinning, eliminations had slowed down. They noted that Akam was back from his knee injury. The Vikings Raiders battled AOP. The Raiders eliminated AOP pretty easily. Renee said she’d like to watch that match-up another time. They showed Titus O’Neal scoot out from under the ring. He snuck into the ring and went at the Vikings.
Cole noted it was 12:08 in the morning in Jeddah. Rowan eliminated Otis, then claw-slammed Xavier and dropped him onto Otis on the floor. It was down to Cedric Alexander, Cesaro, Robert Roode, Rusev, Miz, Samoa Joe, Ali, Mansoor, Ricochet, and Sin Sara. Cesaro pressed Miz and nearly eliminated him, but Miz slipped free and then kicked away at Cesaro’s chest. He alternated kicking Elias, too. The crowd was into it. Cesaro then tossed Miz over the top rope, but Miz landed on the ring apron. Elias then knocked Miz to the floor. Cesaro surveyed the situation and rested as Joe stood up and squared off against Ricochet, Ali, and Mansoor. Elias and Cesaro joined in for a three-on-three battle between the remaining babyfaces and heels. Ali and Ricochet doubled on Cesaro, but then Joe intervened and clubbed both of them. He tossed Ali over. Ali held onto the top rope and stayed legal. Ali tried to suplex Joe over the top rope. Ricochet joined in. They got him over and to the floor. Fans popped (or what qualifies as a pop here). Cesaro eliminated Ali and Ricochet. Mansoor then knocked Cesaro to the floor. It came down to Elias vs. Mansoor. Elias got early control with an attack from behind. Mansoor superkicked Elias and then tried to eliminate him. Elias reversed him, but Mansoor hung onto to the top rope and then backdropped Elias to win. The fans were elated. He celebrated win the crowd with the home country fans including family members.
WINNER: Mansoor.
(Keller’s Analysis: If anyone ever doubts there’s a hometown advantage in sports, point them to this miraculous outcome. By WWE math, he had a mere 2 percent chance to win, yet he did it. As for match quality, it was a below average battle royal, but not the worst.)
-Saxton interviewed Mansoor and asked what it felt like to win the most prestigious battle royal in WWE history. Mansoor looked to the crowd and they cheered for him. Monsoor said he doesn’t have the words to describe how important that moment is to him “or to us!” He said one year ago at the Greatest Royal Rumble, he was a WWE prospect and he stood in this stadium in Jeddah and he didn’t know where he’d end up. He said he was just a rookie with a dream to make it as a WWE Superstar and represent his country proudly all over the world. “You deserve it!” chanted the fans. He said this is his dream coming true.
-The announcers hyped Stomping Grounds including confirming rematches for Corbin and Ziggler, including Ziggler getting the cage match he requested.
-A video package aired on the main event.
(9) GOLDBERG vs. UNDERTAKER
Some fans chanted “Goldberg!” as he made his way to the stage from his locker room. He came out bleeding from his forehead, presumably from head-butting the door, which could he beard before he existed the room. We got deep into the Goldberg song before he even made it onto the stage. Cole talked about him having won the WCW Title, WWE Universal Title, and WWE Title. Graves said this match taking place is surreal in and of itself. More “Goldberg” chants to the beat of his music. Cole talked about his “173 and 0” undefeated record. Then a lengthy Undertaker entrance took place. When he entered the ring, Cole said he’s about to face Goldberg for the first time. Formal ring introductions took place next. Graves said he didn’t sense any sign of fear in Goldberg’s expression, which might be a first for an Undertaker opponent. Goldberg did his throat slice gesture. Taker punched him. Goldberg speared Taker immediately. “This is unbelievable!” shouted Graces. Goldberg speared Taker a second time and scored a near fall. Taker sat up. He used the ropes to stand. Goldberg whipped him against the ropes, but Taker grabbed Goldberg’s throat and set up a chokeslam. Goldberg powered out and hip tossed Taker into a kneebar attempt.
Goldberg whipped Undertaker into the corner, then charged. Taker moved and Goldberg hit the post hard. He came away bleeding heavily from his forehead. There was a small puddle of blood on the canvas. Goldberg’s face was soon covered in bright red blood. Renee said Goldberg’s wife and young son are present, but don’t want to see this. Taker punched away at Goldberg. Taker armbarred Goldberg, then climbed to the top rope walk. He leaped off with a forearm to the back of Goldberg’s neck. Taker signaled for a choke slam. Goldberg staggered and leaned over the top rope. Graves said Goldberg might be out on his feet. Taker then chokeslammed Goldberg. Then he did the throat-slice gesture and set up a tombstone. He delivered and scored a believable near fall. (That was payback for Taker getting to kick out of two spears early.) Graves said nobody believes it. Renee said there was an “eerie silence” in the stadium.
Taker punched away at Goldberg in the corner. They collided mid-ring. Fans chanted “This is awesome!” They stood and exchanged punches mid-ring. Taker delivered snake eyes, but Goldberg fired back with a spear, the third of the match. He signaled for the Jackhammer and then delivered, dropping Taker on his head in the process. Graves said he didn’t get all of it, as he didn’t land on Taker in the process. Goldberg talked with the ref, then rolled onto Taker for a near fall. Goldberg stood and played to the crowd. Taker grabbed the middle rope and didn’t move much. Goldberg picked him up for a tombstone, but fell backwards. Taker got up and chokeslammed Goldberg with half the usual lift, then got the three. Taker sat up and looked disgusted with the way the final minutes of the match went and perhaps feeling a bit lucky to be okay. Zero sense of satisfaction with victory. Taker stood as his music played and he struck one of his poses. Cole said there might not be many more of these moments, so savor it when you can.
WINNER: Undertaker in 9:00. (1/4*)
(Keller’s Analysis: That was more ambitious than was probably advisable. Never smooth, but it just fell apart at the end. They’re fortunate to be okay. The sloppy Jackhammer, botched Tombstone reversal spot, and half-high chokeslam for the anticlimactic finish.)
FINAL THOUGHTS: Absolutely nothing worth going out of your way to watch. The first six minutes of the main event was perhaps the most “must-see” for a variety of reasons – the novelty of it, mostly. Otherwise, the heat and perhaps general karma kept this from being anything more than a two-star lethargic affair that merely set up rematches for the world title matches in two weeks in air conditioned circumances.
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I just can`t believe they had ROMAN THE GUY they build up for 5 years and the bosses son beat him? I KNEW we were in trouble when they were COMPARING SHANE to DX, TAKER, STONE COLD AND THE ROCK, I MEAN SERIOUSLY this company is in TROUBLE! I`m writing this at the beginning of HHH vs Randy and i`m scared Brock will cash in on Kofi all the weeks and months of BUILDING and making Kofi strong, I have a bad feeling he`ll cash in on Kofi and everything the built with him will be GONE.
Wait….serious question – how is Renee allowed to be on commentary? Isn’t that against Saudi laws?
No. She can commentate, but can’t get in the ring. She isn’t visibly performing.
Did you notice she was more clothed than usual, although she doesn’t dress slu44y she tends to show a little leg or cleavage, but not tonight.
She’s respecting the culture.
Despite how they can possibly justify continually doing these shows while still showing how they are the most open, friendly,inclusive, fair and best company in the world surely Vince has to see this is a complete waste of time for everyone and everything apart from his wallet.
As someone who will soon be driving a forklift in 100 degree heat inside a building (July each year) my full props to all the athletes, especially the bigger ones.
And a couple questions. Did Goldberg finally make it to the ring and did someone mistakenly tell his travel agent the event was in Riyadh? Seems like he walked from there to Jeddah.
I enjoyed the show but my expectations were low since the Saudi “millions of $ to Vince” shows tend to suck a bit.
I don’t know how you enjoyed this one. This show was one of the worst shows I have ever seen. I have been saying that a lot lately, but man this was bad. WWE hasn’t put on a good product, in my opinion, in a long time. The AEW PPV was better than anything WWE has put on in years. I don’t know if they can do it on a weekly basis, but if they can come close, many WWE fans that are actual wrestling fans will jump ship.
Wade, saying the money in the bank thing with Lesnar is a storyline is a bit of a stretch. Maybe a really bad story line? I see it as bait and switch and then another bait and switch. It was a cheap ploy for ratings last Monday, then a cheap ploy this time around, and even the sheepiest of the sheep will turn this nonsense off. The ratings will continue to fall. You can only pull the bait and switch maybe once and get away with it. I guess Vince really doesn’t get it? Maybe he doesn’t care?
Moonsoor who? Never heard of this guy.
NXT guy.
I have to fully admit I have never followed NXT aside from a few events. I need to start watching. Most of what I hear is pretty positive. It has to be better than the current WWE product? Thank you for clarifying who he is, I honestly, had never heard of him. I get why he got the hometown battle royal win, but man that battle royal was a cluster.
I saw the event and thought it was nothing exciting. I feel bad for the Saudi fans who had to sit through that less then spectacular show in the heat. I sure hope all the wrestlers who went there were given a nice royal meal again. I read that Bliss and Natalia were supposedly flown there. That whole country is way too hot this time of year and thankfully no wrestlers were injured. Hopefully Goldberg retires for good. He did not deserve to be buried but I bet his bank account grew substantially.